The government has been asserting that many fake news are being spread on social media with regard to coronavirus and asked people not to believe them and forward them.

Workers spray disinfectants in a residential area in Karad&nbsp | &nbspPhoto Credit:&nbspPTI

Mumbai: With the world battling to contain the spread of novel coronavirus disease that has claimed more than 21,000 lives globally so far, mischief-makers have found it easy in times of fear to spread false news and create panic among the people.

Over the past few weeks, many such fake news have been busted in India as well. The latest in the series is a rumour that claims there are 59 cases of Covid-19 disease in Maharashtra’s Nagpur alone. It may be noted that as per the Union Health Ministry’s update on Thursday morning, there are a total of 124 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infections in the western state. Of these, three people have died.

The Press Information Bureau of the Union government has, meanwhile, called the news circulating about Nagpur as fake. The PIB’s fact-check handle on Twitter today tweeted that an audio clip on social media, which claimed that Nagpur had 59 Covid-19 patients including three doctors is fake.

Here’s what the PIB Fact Check Twitter handle tweeted: “An audio clip is circulating on social media claiming that Nagpur has tested 59 positive coronavirus cases including 3 doctors. The assertion made in the audio is #FAKE. Please DO NOT forward such fake audio clips.”

An audio clip is circulating on social media claiming that Nagpur has tested 59 positive coronavirus cases including 3 doctors

The Prime Minister also "emphasised that it was important to tackle the spread of pessimism, negativity and rumor-mongering. Citizens need to be assured that the government is committed to countering the impact of COVID-19," a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office had said.

Meanwhile, the total number of Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra jumped to 124 with the state recording two more positive cases on Thursday. One case each was reported from Thane and Mumbai, the state health department said.

The overall number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 649 with 593 active cases and 13 deaths.

Check the latest facts on Covid-19 here. Times Fact ‘India Outbreak Report’ by TIMES NETWORK and Protiviti is a comprehensive analysis that highlights the impact of the pandemic in India and projects the possible number of active cases in the weeks ahead.